1973 FA Cup Run 1973 fa cup run Introduction "I should pack it all in. there'll never be another moment like it". All of Wearside agreed with the above sentiments of Bob Stokoe as Sunderland took on the best teams England had to offer and deservedly beat them all to lift the FA Cup. After 36 long years the most prestigious domestic knockout club trophy in football travelled to Roker Park. To place the triumph into perspective it is apt to return to the beginning and the arrival of a man who would be hailed as "the Messiah". Bob Stokoe swept into Roker Park as a man on a mission. After managerial spells at Charlton Athletic, Rochdale, Bury, Carlisle United and Blackpool, whom incidentally he had led to victory in the Anglo Italian tournament, the ex Magpie succumbed to initial defeat at the hands of Burnley. Sunderland then embarked on a run of 32 games, with only 5 defeats, culminating in a day that Wearside will never forget.

Not bad for a side that started in the doldrums, defeated by Stoke in the first League cup hurdle, and searching for only its 5th win in 18 league attempts, on his arrival. From 4rth bottom they would end the season 6th, although at first an outbreak of flu threatened to scupper the season altogether. It is also pertinent to note that on Stokoe's arrival Sunderland hadn’t bought a player for over 2 years. __________________________ Notts County 1 v 1 Sunderland 13 January 1973, Meadow Lane, Nottingham Attendance – 15,142 In the run up to the 3rd round game Sunderland made a double signing in the shape of Ron Guthrie and David Young however both were ineligible for the Meadow Lane encounter. Bobby Kerr was struggling to be fit with a troublesome back and Denis Tueart had to have 2 stitches inserted in an eye wound sustained in the league match the previous Saturday. Joe Bolton spent 3 days with the England Youth squad but made the trip to Nottingham. Ironically Sunderland met Notts County midweek prior to the game in a North Midlands League encounter.

At Meadow Lane Sunderland suffered a first half pounding and were lucky to be just 1 goal down at the interval. Les Bradd scored for Notts County after 29 minutes and County held the lead for 50 minutes. Montgomery made a fine save - a crucial one, Bobby Kerr said later, and then Watson headed in a cross from Tueart after 79 minutes play, having out jumped Needham to score a magnificent goal. Billy Elliott had restored Watson to his old place of centre back, but twenty minutes from the end at Meadow Lane, Bob Stokoe switched him to the attack. Sunderland were backed by upwards of 2,000 fans in Nottingham with a fleet of 40 coaches taking supporters from the North East. After the game bob Stokoe announced, amongst other things, that Derek Forster, Ritchie Pitt, Brian Chambers, Keith Coleman and John Lathan were available for transfer.

Notts County: Brown, Brindley, Worthington, Masson, Needham, Stubbs, Nixon, Randall, Bradd, Mann, Carter Sunderland: Montgomery, Malone, Bolton, Horswill, Watson, Tones, Kerr, Ashurst (McGiven), Hughes Porterfield, Tueart __________________________ FA Cup Round 3 – replay Sunderland 2 v 0 Notts County 16 January 1973, Roker Park, Sunderland Attendance – 30,033 Receipts - £13,280 Ron Guthrie and David Young took over from youngsters Joe Bolton and John Tones as a fast and furious cup tie saw Sunderland prevail at Roker Park. However similar to the Meadow Lane encounter Notts County were at their best in the first half primarily through the use of a man for man marking system and a twin attack of Randall and Bradd that caused the home side substantial problems on the night. In the 54rth minute Sunderland had the lead. Porterfield won the ball in midfield and pushed it through to Kerr who allowed the ball to run onto Watson.

Watson took on the defence raced to the edge of the penalty area and slammed a right foot shot across Brown inside the far post. The game was still on a knife edge but the matter was sealed just seconds from time when Kerr played the ball through the middle and with Needham hesitant after intercepting, Tueart stormed into the box to whisk the ball past Brown and in off the foot of a post. Manager Bob Stokoe was delighted with the performance of his side and the tremendous atmosphere created by the Roker Roar; “this was a great night for the lads and for the fans. Again we did not do too well in the first half, but the second half always matters most and we solved it all then”. Sunderland now had to wait for the outcome of the Doncaster Rovers v Reading cup tie, postponed from the previous Saturday, to find out their 4rth round opponents.

Sunderland: Montgomery, Malone, Bolton, Horswill (Lathan), Watson, Tones, Kerr, McGiven, Hughes Porterfield, Tueart Notts County: Brown, Brindley, Worthington, Masson, Needham, Stubbs, Nixon, Randall, Bradd, Mann, Carter Referee: J Rice, Preston Sunderland 1 v 1 Reading 3 February 1973, Roker Park, Sunderland Attendance: 33,913 Receipts: £13,650 (Roker Park Ground Record) Nearly 34,000 welcomed a smiling Charlie Hurley and Reading for the Fourth Round tie. Bob Stokoe predictably made only one change from the previous week’s side that defeated Millwall, bringing in Lathan at number 9 to replace the injured john Hughes. Hulme won the toss for Reading and decided to open the match attacking the Roker End. From the outset it was evident that the visiting keeper Steve Death was in inspired form. Reading took the lead after just 13 minutes when an in-swinging Cumming corner was back headed at the near post by Chappell the ball looping over Montgomery.

Sunderland drew level just 7 minutes before the interval. Lathan having won the ball from Hulme sent in a strong centre that was pulled down by Tueart. The winger squeezed the ball through the narrowest of gaps to finally beat Death. With only seconds of the match remaining Sunderland once more had the ball in the net. However this time Lathan was in an offside position and the strike was chalked off. In advance of the game at Elm Park Sunderland found out that they would, if successful, face either Liverpool or Manchester City away from home in the 5th round. The master of understatement Bob Stokoe was quoted as saying “it’s not the sort of game I would have picked”; although history would be with Sunderland whoever they faced as they had defeated City on their last visit to Maine Road and had also dumped Liverpool out of the FA Cup at Anfield in 1960.

Sunderland: Montgomery, Malone, Guthrie, Horswill, Watson, Young, Hughes, Kerr (Ashurst), Lathan, Porterfield, Tueart Reading: Death, Dixon, Youlden, T Wagstaff (Butler), Hulme, B Wagstaff, Cumming, Chappell, Bell, Hunt, Habben Referee: J Jolly, Manchester FA Cup Round 4 – Replay Reading 1 v 3 Sunderland 7 February 1973, Elm Park, Reading Attendance: 19,793 In the build up to the Reading game Sunderland asked Preston North End manager Alan Ball for permission to approach their trainer-coach, Arthur Cox, with a view to offering him a permanent place at Roker Park. Conversely Arsenal Manager Bertie Mee had asked Stokoe for permission to take the transfer listed Pitt and Coleman on loan to Highbury. It was planned to leave the duo down South after the game at Elm Park. Bobby Kerr, Dick Malone and Dave Watson all received treatment for knocks sustained in Saturday’s drawn cup tie, however they all travelled South as Sunderland left the North East with a party of 15 players at mid day on Tuesday 6 February.

John Tennick estimated that there would be 800 Sunderland fans at Elm Park for the game and subsequently it turned out to be more than double that as the red and whites ranks were swelled by exiles from The Home Counties and the Midlands. The Police would praise the Sunderland support for their partisan but excellent behaviour. As for the match itself, Watson scored within 80 seconds at Elm Park, a rifled shot that gave Death no chance, after good work by Tueart and Kerr. Tueart got one with a dipping shot and Kerr the third after 29 minutes, a fierce angled drive that went in off the bar. Cumming scored for Reading with a penalty on 78 minutes after Pitt had brought down Chappell. Sunderland would face Manchester City at Maine Road in the 5th round. After the Reading match a large contingent of Sunderland supporters gathered outside the players entrance chanting “Charlie, Charlie” until the Irishman and Roker hero appeared to sign some 200 autographs. “There was a lump in my throat. It was just as though he was one of us”, said john Tennick, the Transport Officer for the Sunderland AFC Supporters Association.

Bob Stokoe announced that Sunderland had signed Vic Halom from Luton Town for £35,000. Reading: Death, Dixon, Youlden, Carnaby (Butler), Hulme, B Wagstaff, Cummings, Chappell, Bell, Hunt, Habben Sunderland: Montgomery, Malone, Guthrie, Horswill, Pitt, Young, Hughes, Kerr, Watson, Porterfield, Tueart __________________________ Manchester City 2 v 2 Sunderland 24 February 1973, Maine Road, Manchester Attendance: 54,478 Manchester City had beaten the league leaders, Liverpool, in the previous round so they had little concern over whether they met Reading or Sunderland at home in the next round. At that time the three favourites for the Cup were: Leeds 4-1; Manchester City 9-2 and Arsenal 11-2. Sunderland, at 100 to 1, were to beat the lot. Vic Halom, signed from Luton for £35,000, made his debut in a tough game at Hilisborough a fortnight earlier in which Young was injured.

This meant that Dave Watson could once more revert back to centre half for the Maine Road game. Over 10,000 Sunderland fans made the trip to the North West by road and rail in what was considered the biggest exodus to follow the club since the marathon cup ties against Manchester United in 1964. The expected 45,000 (not all ticket) crowd at Maine Road was expected to be swelled by fans of The Red Devils following the postponement of the first division clash at Old Trafford between Manchester United and Crystal Palace due to a frozen pitch. At Maine Road before a crowd of 54,478, Montgomery switching direction saved from Marsh who already had his arms raised in triumph. After 16 minutes Towers scored when Summerbee made things dangerous by racing away up the right wing. Tueart was ruffling the City defenders and after a free kick against him, Mickey Horswill nipped in after 36 minutes to loft the ball over Donachie and then lift it past Corrigan. After this cheeky goal Sunderland were never behind in the Cup run. Sunderland received a tremendous reception from their travelling support as they took the field for the second half.

In the 68th minute Hughes kept his head when clear and scored. City equalised 18 minutes from time when an in swinging corner from Summerbee was turned in by an impeded Montgomery. Towers was sent off in the 83rd minute following a tussle with Horswill. Manchester City: Corrigan, Book, Donachie, Doyle (Mellor), Booth, Jeffries, Summerbee, Bell, Marsh, Lee Towers Sunderland: Montgomery, Malone, Guthrie, Horswill, Pitt, Halom, Hughes, Kerr, Watson, Porterfield, Tueart Sub: Chambers Referee: R Tinkler (Boston) FA Cup Round 5 – Replay Sunderland 3 v 1 Manchester City 27 February 1973, Roker Park, Sunderland Attendance: 51,782 Voted by supporters as the greatest game ever seen at Roker Park, this match provided the Sunderland fans with one of those rare “Roker Park occasions”. The Manchester City captain, Doyle, went on record as indicating there was a feeling in the City dressing room that it was to be their night. How wrong he was.

Sunderland were superb and none other than Rodney Marsh famously commented that Vic Halom’s Fulwell End screamer, after 15 minutes, was one of the best goals he had ever seen. Billy Hughes made it 2 v 0 just 11 minutes later, hammering a right foot drive past Corrigan with Donachie closing in. Roker Park went crazy. But you can never control all 90 minutes of any football game and within 10 minutes of the second half City had scored through Francis Lee. Sunderland's reaction was concise. They dusted themselves off and set about scoring a third. With only 12 minutes remaining Billy Hughes slid the ball home at the Roker End when Corrigan could only parry a shot by Tueart. Bob Stokoe had promised before the match that it would be a night to remember. It was just that.

Manchester City: Corrigan, Book, Donachie, Doyle, Booth, Jeffries, Mellor, Bell, Marsh, Lee, Towers Sunderland: Montgomery, Malone, Guthrie, Horswill, Pitt, Halom, Hughes, Kerr, Watson, Porterfield, Tueart Referee: R Tinkler (Boston) Sunderland 2 v 0 Luton Town 17 March 1973, Roker Park, Sunderland Attendance: 53,151 Receipts: £26,106 (Roker Park Ground Record) Luton town arrived on Wearside with a brilliant away record, and had beaten Sunderland at Kenilworth Road the week before in the League. For Jimmy Montgomery the game was a personal milestone as he made his 453rd league and cup appearance for the club, a record at that time. To mark the occasions the Sunderland Chairman Keith Collings made a special presentation of a Gold Watch to Monty prior to the game. Luton Town had dispatched Newcastle United from the FA Cup in a 4rth round tie at St James Park. The destroyer that day was John Aston.

Bobby Kerr won the toss for Sunderland and started the game attacking the Roker End. The crowd was again vast and Roker Park was once more treated to the almost forgotten spectacle of young children being passed down over the heads of those in front to take their positions at the front of the Roker End. For the opening 45 minutes it looked as though Sunderland might struggle to break down a resolute defence but all out pressure was rewarded 10 minutes into the second period with a tremendous headed goal by Dave Watson following a Bobby Kerr in swinging corner. With 8 minutes remaining Sunderland made it 2 v 0. Hughes took a corner kick on the left that was headed on by Pitt; Guthrie with his back to goal turned to sweep the ball wide of Barber from close range. Cup form was beginning to really manifest itself in the league with Sunderland embarking on a 6 match unbeaten run, which would see Roker Park, begin to fill with 40,000 crowds. Bob Stokoe had really started something and Wearside was simply frantic with excitement. Sunderland would face "The Arsenal" in the semi final of the FA Cup.

It was evident that it would take something special to stop this wagon from rolling all the way to Wembley. To reflect this the odds on Sunderland winning the famous trophy tumbled to just 12 to 1. Sunderland: Montgomery, Malone, Guthrie, Horswill, Pitt, Halom, Hughes, Kerr, Watson, Porterfield, Tueart Sub: Bolton Luton Town: Barber, John Ryan, Thomson, Shanks, Garner, Moore, Jim Ryan, Anderson, Busby, Hindson, Aston (Hales) Referee: J Taylor, Wolverhampton Arsenal 1 v 2 Sunderland 17 April 1973, Hillsborough, Sheffield Attendance: 55,000 Receipts: £82,500 (FA Cup Semi Final Record) Sunderland reached the club’s first semi final in 17 years, the last North East to do so. At Hillsborough Sunderland were uninhibited, the more eager side, and the one that wanted to win more. There was a belief not only amongst the players but critically amongst the fans that this was to be our year.

The match was all ticket with Sunderland receiving an allocation of 21,800 and a ballot system was adopted. Seat tickets were priced at £3 and £2 with standing available for 70p. With 3,800 season ticket holders it meant that just 18,000 tickets were up for grabs. On 28 March 1973 the Sunderland players entered a recording studio in Manchester to record a record “Sunderland All Of The Way”. Youngsters from the North East provided the chorus along with local comedian Bobby Knoxall. Bob Stokoe was dismayed to learn that Malcolm MacDonald, then a centre forward with local rivals Newcastle United had allegedly expressed a hope that “Sunderland will meet with glorious failure against Arsenal”. Sunderland club scouts Peter Doherty and Peter Croker had produced an extensive dossier on Arsenal in the run up to the semi final and the “battle plans” were drawn up at Templefields on the outskirts of Buxton where the Sunderland party was camped. Sunderland adopted an all white strip for the game at Sheffield with Arsenal changing to yellow and blue.

There was a good omen for the North East side in the run up to the game in that the last time the 2 teams had met in the FA cup, January 1961, Sunderland had dispatched The Gunners 2 v 1. Arsenal’s route to the semi final had been slightly less arduous than Sunderland’s, 6 games rather than 7, overcoming Leicester city, Bradford City, Carlisle United and Chelsea to take their place at Hillsborough. Extra tickets meant that about 23,000 Sunderland fans made the exodus for to Sheffield in 9 trains, over 200 coaches and an armada of 2,500 cars. The last train would leave Sunderland at 11.13am and arrive into Sheffield at 2.22pm. The scene was set. Ritchie Pitt had been recalled from loan when Young was injured and took up his place alongside Dave Watson. Arsenal were lining up a record third year in a row at Wembley. On their way to the ground the Sunderland Coach encountered slight flurries of snow which turned to light rain.

The teams emerged to a deafening roar and were piped onto the field by the Dagenham Girl Pipers. McNab won the toss for Arsenal and Sunderland started the game playing with the advantage of the wind. When Wilson just managed to tip over a drive from Horswill and fell awkwardly there was a stir in the crowd as if the unexpected could happen. A minute later a long ball, wind assisted, had Blockley, bothered by Halom, in a tizz. Wilson came out to help but Halom got the ball past both of them into the net. Sunderland kept making chances. Only George Armstrong was dangerous for Arsenal and Montgomery saved well from him at the foot of the post. Storey was booked for Arsenal and Halom for Sunderland. At half time Sunderland led 1 v 0. In the 55th minute Radford entered the field of play as a substitute for Blockley as Arsenal threw an extra man forward. The upshot was to leave themselves open to the counter attack. Nine minutes later Sunderland made it 2 v 0. A throw-in from Kerr, headed backwards by Tueart, drew Wilson, and Hughes back headed the ball on and over him into the net. Two nil.

Guthrie and Charlie George were both booked for an ugly challenge. With Arsenal now desperate for a foothold back into the game they piled forward. For them a reward came just 6 minutes from time when a left wing probe produced a shooting chance for George who hammered in a low drive which Montgomery could only get his finger tips too. The ball slowly but surely crossed the line. Argus reported that at the final whistle the travelling Roker Roar refused to move until their "Messiah" Bob Stokoe appeared. Taking the salute, he turned and went back to the dressing room - tears running down his cheeks. For the first time since 1937, Sunderland would compete at Wembley Stadium.

Arsenal: Wilson, Rice, McNab, Storey, Blockley (Radford), Simpson, Armstrong, Ball, George, Kennedy, Kelly Sunderland: Montgomery, Malone, Guthrie, Horswill, Pitt, Halom, Hughes, Kerr, Watson, Porterfield, Tueart Referee: D Smith, Gloucester Leeds United 0 v 1 Sunderland 5 May 1973, Wembley Stadium, London Attendance: 100,000 In the run up to the final there was, as predicted, a huge scramble for tickets, with the lucky few getting hold of them in London on the day of the match. For the rest of the non season ticket holders there was the prospect of a ballot draw from the forms issued at the Carlisle United and Bristol City home games. Sunderland spent the days before the final at the Selsdon Park Hotel in Surrey where they sized up the formidable opposition they were about to face. Predictably Leeds United were quoted at 3 to 1 on to win the final with Sunderland at 5 to 2.

Sunderland’s youth Team were hoping to get the week off to a good start but they succumbed to defeat by local rivals Middlesbrough in the two legged Northern Intermediate League Cup Final. Trailing 4 v 5 on aggregate Jackie Ashurst had the chance to draw level with a penalty, but blazed the ball over the bar. For bob Stokoe the cup final would be his 16th cup tie of the season, 7 with his former club Blackpool. The Sunderland team would be the same as the semi final, bar the substitute. With Brian Chambers now an Arsenal player, David Young would be the 12th man for Sunderland. In Scotland the Cup Final was contested by Rangers and Celtic. The Gers triumphed 3 v 2 in front of 122,000 (the last of such big crowds in Scotland) with the winning goal scored by Tam Forsyth. In England the jubilee FA Cup final took place on 5 May 1973.

In years to come the question for every Sunderland fans was, "where were you at 3:31 pm?” With the President of the Football Association, HRH the Duke of Kent in attendance Wearside took on the might of Yorkshire and Leeds United. Quite simply The Peacocks were a "football machine" and were one of the most feared sides in Europe, with an international competing for every place. They had come a long way since their promotion in 1964. Oddly enough the 2 Managers found then on opposition sides again with Don Revie and Bob Stokoe having contested the 1955 Final when Newcastle United took on Manchester City. Sunderland had played Leeds United before in the FA Cup, 1926/27 and a 3 match marathon in 1967, all won by the Yorkshire side. In the run up to the final Sunderland had used 17 players. In the twenty days before Wembley Sunderland played eight League games, giving them a return, since Bob Stokoe took over, of 30 points from 22 games - promotion standard. The nation had taken Sunderland to their hearts. And the boys did not disappoint.

They were without awe of Leeds; they chased them, they looked for goals. Bobby Kerr won the toss for Sunderland and elected to defend the end where the Leeds United fans had massed. As if to prove the lack of fear on the part of Sunderland Ritchie Pitt scythed down Allan Clarke early on. Reputations counted for nothing in this game. After half an hour Harvey in the Leeds goal, lifted a lob from Kerr over the bar. The corner from Hughes was sent back into the centre by Halom, and Porterfield bringing the ball down with his left thigh turned a little and hit it hard with his right into the net. Montgomery's famous double save was in the second half when Jones switched play to Reaney on the right. Reaney's high cross to the far post was met by Cherry with a diving header which Montgomery lunging himself to the left knocked out, but only to Lorimer on the six-yard line. Lorimer hit it quickly and cleanly into the apparently empty space on the other side of the goalkeeper. Montgomery managed to throw himself that way and jerk the ball upwards with his right arm. It struck the underside of the bar and came out wide and Malone thumped it miles away.

It was now believable that Sunderland could win. Leeds built-up attack after attack, but Sunderland’s rear four were commanding. Every clearance was cheered. For some the tension was unbearable and they left their places and paced about under the stands, at home some people had to leave their television sets. Everyone except the unfortunate folk from Leeds wanted the final whistle to blow and when it did there was one of the greatest roars ever at Wembley. Bob Stokoe, his short white mackintosh billowing, raced across to Montgomery. Danny Blanchflower wrote that the game was the most emotional he had known. The Sunday Express said Wembley had never seen such ecstasy. The nation enthused. Back in Sunderland many people ran out; there was impromptu dancing; cars appeared, drivers just sounding their horns. The centre of the town became impassable. That night was just about the most joyous the old town had known. Don Revie, who took defeat well, said that Montgomery's save was the best he had seen, and that Sunderland’s strength and enthusiasm in the first half had unsettled his side.

Leeds United: Harvey, Reaney, Cherry, Bremner, Madeley, Hunter, Lorimer, Clarke, Jones, Giles, Gray (Yorath) Sunderland: Montgomery, Malone, Guthrie, Horswill, Pitt, Halom, Hughes, Kerr, Watson, Porterfield, Tueart Referee: Ken Burns, Stourbridge __________________________ Finale Sunderland became the first second division side to win the FA cup since West Bromwich in 1931. Burnley (1947), Leicester City (1949) and Preston North End (1964) had also tried but failed. An open top bus parade saw the red and white heroes greeted all the way from Carville to Roker Park. It was estimated that 500,000 people welcomed them home, with even horses and dogs decked out in red and white! To put the final win into perspective Leeds United subsequently travelled to Salonika, Greece where they were narrowly defeated by AC Milan in the cup winners’ cup final, after a dubious refereeing performance. They ended 3rd in the League, and the following season would be English champions.

An interesting postscript to the 1972/73 season is a look at the club Report and Accounts for the financial year ended 31 May 1973. It shows that despite the cup run and a final placing SAFC Limited still made a loss of £12,065 although this was a much improved situation on the previous year when a £103,080 loss was evident. Bearing in mind that in the next financial year we made a profit of £181,078 it is assumed that the income from the final and perhaps the semi final were not credited to Sunderland’s Bank Account by, presumably the football Association, until after 31 May 1973. Top 10 FA Cup upsets - Telegraph Top 10 FA Cup upsets Celebration: Hereford toast their third-round win over Newcastle By Giles Mole 7:39AM GMT 10 Mar 2008 This year's FA Cup has thrown up more shocks than ever before.

Only one team from the top-flight will be present in the semi-finals for the first time in exactly 100 years as Portsmouth, Cardiff City, West Bromwich Albion and Barnsley all attempt to claim a place in the final at Wembley. The FA Cup is well known for throwing up memorable matches, where the underdog triumphs against their more illustrious opponents. Here, we look at the top 10 FA Cup upsets in recent memory. Can you think of any more? Hereford United 2 Newcastle 1 FA Cup third-round replay, 1972 Hereford United produced one of the greatest FA Cup upsets ever when they beat First Division Newcastle 2-1 in a third-round replay in 1972. Newcastle looked to have made it to the fourth round thanks to a late goal by Malcolm McDonald. However, Ronnie Radford then popped up to score the most famous 30-yard goal in cup history to take the game into extra time. Substitute Ricky George scored the winner as Hereford became the first non-league club to defeat a First Division side since 1949.

Sunderland 1 Leeds 0 FA Cup final, 1973 Sunderland had reached the final after defeating First Division clubs Manchester City and Arsenal. However, holders Leeds were expected to steamroll their opponents. Ian Porterfield, though, had other ideas as his volley crashed into the back of the Leeds net. Goalkeeper Jim Montgomery also played a big part in Sunderland's win, twisting up from a prostrate position to acrobatically turn away a Peter Lorimer shot on to the crossbar. Sunderland became the first Second Division side to win the Cup in 40 years. Bournemouth 2 Manchester United 0 FA Cup third round, 1984 Ron Atkinson took the FA Cup holders to Dean Court to face Third Division side Bournemouth, who were then managed by Harry Redknapp. The hosts knew they had a mountain to climb, but through grit and dogged determination caused a massive upset as United came unstuck on the South coast. Bournemouth outplayed the Division One outfit and ran out worthy winners with Milton Graham and Ian Thompson scoring the goals that marked Manchester United's early exit.

Liverpool 0 Wimbledon 1 FA Cup final, 1988 The "crazy gang" had proven wrong all the so-called experts who said their long-ball style of play couldn't lead them to Wembley. A Liverpool win was predicted but Wimbledon manager Bobby Gould and coach Don Howe had a plan and Liverpool were not allowed to settle. Wimbledon took the lead when Lawrie Sanchez rose high to send a looping header past the stranded Bruce Grobbelaar from Dennis Wise's free kick. Grobbelaar's opposite number Dave Beasant then performed heroics, saving John Aldridge's penalty on the hour. Sutton United 2 Coventry City 1 FA Cup third round, 1989 Non-league Sutton United caused one of the biggest upsets in FA Cup history with their 2-1 victory over top-flight Coventry at Gander Green Lane, thanks to goals from Tony Rains and Matthew Hanlan. Two years earlier, Coventry had won the trophy. Sutton's cup run was not destined to last, however, as they were beaten 8-0 by Norwich City in the next round.

Wrexham 2 Arsenal 1 FA Cup third round, 1992 Second in the then First Division against 24th in the Third Division. Reigning league champions Arsenal made the trip up north for what was supposed to be sure-fire win. Arsenal took the lead just before half time courtesy of Alan Smith and were just 10 minutes from securing their passage to the fourth round until Mickey Thomas unleashed a 25-yard free kick past David Seaman. Wrexham were in the ascendancy and two minutes later Steve Watkin, 20, struck home the winner. Shrewsbury Town 2 Everton 1 FA Cup third round, 2003 Shrewsbury manager Kevin Ratcliffe masterminded the humiliation of his former club as Everton were bundled out of the FA Cup at Gay Meadow. Ratcliffe - Everton's most successful captain - saw two goals from Nigel Jemson ensure a massive shock. It was no more than the side lying 80 places below Everton in the Third Division deserved. Substitute Niclas Alexandersson looked to have saved Everton when he equalised Jemson's opener, but the former Nottingham Forest striker headed a dramatic winner two minutes from time.

Manchester United 0 Exeter City 0 FA Cup third round, 2005 Non-league Exeter produced a magnificent rearguard action to earn a deserved FA Cup third-round draw at Old Trafford. United fielded a weakened side, but it still contained the likes of Phil Neville, Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Scholes and Alan Smith. Conference club Exeter matched the FA Cup holders at the 'Theatre of Dreams' to set up a lucrative replay, and they could have claimed a sensational win when lifelong United fan Dean Moxey shot narrowly wide after a scramble in the penalty area. Liverpool 1 Barnsley 2 FA Cup fifth round, 2008 Barnsley sent Liverpool crashing out of the FA Cup thanks to Brian Howard's dramatic injury-time winner at Anfield. Ryan Babel set up Dirk Kuyt to put Liverpool ahead and only some fine saves by Luke Steele kept Barnsley in the game. The Yorkshiremen levelled when Stephen Foster headed home Martin Devaney's cross and, although Liverpool poured forward, they could not beat Steele on his debut. Harry Kewell hit the bar for the home side before Howard's low shot into the bottom corner won it for Barnsley.

Barnsley 1 Chelsea 0 FA Cup quarter-final, 2008 They say lightning never strikes twice. However, having disposed of Liverpool in the previous round, Barnsley only went and did it again by knocking Avram Grant's Chelsea out on a memorable night in south Yorkshire. The only goal of the game was scored by a Nigerian forward with just one strike to his name so far this season, journeyman Kayode Odejayi, 26, who was bought for the relatively large sum of £200,000 from Cheltenham last May. The FA Cup Finalists 1970-1979 - Historical Football Kits Chelsea 2 Leeds United 2 (Extra time played) venue Wembley Stadium date 11 April 1970 For the first time since the final moved to Wembley, the match finished all square after extra time. Leeds were the better organised in a game full of spirit. Wembley's normally perfect pitch had been ruined by an equestrian event and was wet and badly torn up.

After 15 minutes Jack Charlton headed the ball downwards towards Eddie McCreadie, waiting to clear off the line but the ball failed to bounce on the heavy pitch and rolled under the defender's foot. Houseman equalised just before the break when Sprake allowed his shot to pass through his arms. When Jones put Leeds ahead again after 84 minutes the game seemed to be over but Hutchinson headed home two minutes later. Both sides were exhausted from their exertions on the heavy pitch and there was no further scoring. Arsenal 2 Liverpool 1 (Extra time played) venue Wembley Stadium date 8 May 1971 Arsenal equalled their North London rivals achievement by achieving the "Double" but it was a close run thing. Liverpool dominated the first half with their relentless attacking style while Arsenal always looked dangerous on the counter-attack. The Gunners had three good chances but there were no goals at full-time. Two minutes into the first period of extra time, Liverpool went ahead. Kelly then equalised nine minutes later and in the second period, Charlie George scored one of the great Wembley goals, an unstoppable drive from 25 yards.

Sunderland 1 Leeds United 0 venue Wembley Stadium date 5 May 1973 Cup holders Leeds fielded ten internationals, had experience at the top of the First Division and in Europe while Sunderland on the other hand were struggling in the Second Division and considered no-hopers. When Porterfield scored after half-an-hour it came as a surprise but there seemed plenty of time for Leeds to recover. As time ticked by, however, Leeds looked increasingly desperate and when Montgomery, in the Sunderland goal, diverted a thunderbolt from Lorimer onto the underside of the bar and the ball bounced clear, it was obviously not going to be Leeds' day. Sunderland became the first Division Two club in forty years to have won the cup. (In the second half Leeds' captain, Bremner, wore a short sleeved shirt with crew neck.) West Ham United 2 Fulham 0 venue Wembley Stadium date 3 May 1975 The second all-London final involved two teams that had had an undistinguished season. The Hammers had won only 13 of their 42 games in the First Division while Fulham had managed only a point a game in their Second Division campaign.

Fulham had two former England captains in their side, Alan Mullery and Bobby Moore, who had won a Cup Winner's medal with West Ham eleven years before. The first half passed with few incidents but in the second half, West Ham gradually took control. Two goals in four minutes settled the issue. Manchester United 2 Liverpool 1 venue Wembley Stadium date 21 May 1977 The two top teams in England met in an eagerly awaited final. Liverpool were in pursuit of a treble, League Championship, European Cup and FA Cup while United were determined to make amends for their defeat at Southampton's hands. The first half was absorbing but did not produce any goals. In the second half, the game came to life: United went ahead on 50 minutes but Liverpool equalised within two minutes. Three minutes after that, Macari's shot was deflected off Greenhoff and looped into the net for the winner.

FA Cup Finals History: Results, Winners, Records, GoalScorers & Venues | Sportslens Blog Teams Arsenal FA Cup Finals History: Results, Winners, Records, GoalScorers & Venues FA Cup Finals History: Results, Winners, Records, GoalScorers & Venues Tom Gatehouse 19 May, 2016 Arsenal , Chelsea , Crystal Palace , FA Cup , Liverpool , Manchester United The FA Cup is English football’s biggest cup competition and one of the most important in football. It is also the oldest cup competition in the world, having first started in 1871, with 736 teams taking part in the 2015/16 edition of the tournament. FA Cup final history is vast with many dramatic clashes taking place across its 145 year history. Manchester United and Crystal Palace will play in the 2016 FA Cup final on May 21st at the Wembley in London, with the match a repeat of the 1990 FA Cup final in which United triumphed 1-0 in a replay after the final ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw.

United are the second most successful team in the history of the FA Cup, having won eleven titles, with the club just one title away from Arsenal, who became the most decorated FA Cup side ever after winning the last two editions of the competition. Palace are searching for their maiden FA Cup triumph, with this their first final since their loss in 1990. Check out our guide to FA Cup final history below: FA Cup Final Winners Since 1988, the FA Cup has been won by the traditional ‘Big Four’ in English football – Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool – 22 times in 27 seasons. The FA Cup has been won by 43 different teams throughout history, with West Ham’s victory in 1980 the last time a team from outside English football’s top division has been crowned champions. Of the teams to have won more than one FA Cup, fans will not be familiar with two. Wanderers, who last won the competition in 1878, are an amateur club who had great success in the early years of organised football in England. Old Etonians were also an amateur club in the 1800’s, winning the trophy twice.

Arsenal – Titles: 12 – Last final win: 2015 Manchester United – Titles: 11 – Last final win: 2004 Tottenham Hotspur – Titles: 8 – Last final win: 1991 Liverpool – Titles: 7 – Last final win: 2006 Chelsea – Titles: 7 – Last final win: 2012 Aston Villa – Titles: 7 – Last final win: 1957 Newcastle United – Titles: 6 – Last final win: 1955 Blackburn Rovers – Titles: 6 – Last final win: 1928 Everton – Titles: 5 – Last final win: 1995 West Brom – Titles: 5 – Last final win: 1968 Manchester City – Titles: 5 – Last final win: 2011 Wanderers – Titles: 5 – Last final win: 1878 Wolves – Titles: 4 – Last final win: 1960 Bolton – Titles: 4 – Last final win: 1958 Sheffield United – Titles: 4 – Last final win: 1925 Sheffield

 Wednesday – Titles: 3 – Last final win: 1935 West Ham – Titles: 3 – Last final win: 1980 Preston – Titles: 2 – Last final win: 1938 Old Etonians – Titles: 2 – Last final win: 1882 Portsmouth – Titles: 2 – Last final win: 2008 Sunderland – Titles: 2 – Last final win: 1973 Nottingham Forest – Titles: 2 – Last final win: 1959 Bury – Titles: 2 – Last title win: 1903 + 20 teams on one FA Cup win FA Cup: Individual Records Some of the greatest players have graced the competition, with many having outstanding scoring records.

Being such an long-running competition, stretching back to 1871, it is impossible to accurately compile a list of top goalscorers from all rounds across history. However, Liverpool’s Ian Rush has the most goals in FA Cup final history with five, with his goals helping the club to win three FA Cups in the late 80’s/early 90’s. Chelsea striker Didier Drogba holds the record for highest number of FA Cup finals scored in with four. The Ivorian was known for turning up in the big games, scoring an incredible 10 goals in 10 finals and winning 10 trophies with the club over nine years and two spells at the London club. Ashley Cole played with Drogba in West London for six years, with the English defender holding the record for most FA Cup winners medals. Cole won seven across his career in England with both Chelsea and Arsenal. The little known Arthur Kinnaird has, to this day, taken part in the most FA Cup finals with nine. He played for both Wanderers and Old Etonians and won five finals. The youngest ever FA Cup final player is Barnet’s Curtis Weston.

The midfielder was part of the Milwall side that lost to Manchester United in the 2004 final and came on as an 89th minute substitute, replacing then player-manager Dennis Wise, when he was just 17 years and 119 days old. Billy Hampson, who played for Newcastle in the around the time of the First World War, remains the oldest ever player in an FA Cup final after appearing in the 1924 final against Aston Villa aged 41 years and eight months old. FA Cup Final History: The New Wembley Winners Below are the previous nine FA Cup final results since the rebuilding of Wembley stadium, the home of the English football. The original Wembley stadium was demolished from 2002-03, with the FA Cup final being played at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff for six years from the year 2000. The new Wembley is the second largest stadium in Europe, behind the Camp Nou in Barcelona, and the largest stadium in the UK.

Arsenal 4-0 Aston Villa, 30th May 2015, Wembley (89,283 crowd) Arsenal 3-2 Hull City, 17th May 2014, Wembley (89,345) Wigan 1-0 Manchester City, 11th May 2013, Wembley (86,254) Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool, 5th May 2012, Wembley (89,041) Manchester City 1-0 Stoke, 14th May 2011, Wembley (88,643) Chelsea 1-0 Portsmouth, 15th May 2010, Wembley (88,335) Chelsea 2-1 Everton, 30th May 2009, Wembley (89,391) Portsmouth 1-0 Cardiff, 17th May 2008, Wembley (89,874) Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United, 19th May 2007

, Wembley (89,826)

Question: In 1973, which club became the first Second Division side to win the FA Cup since the war?
Answer: SUNDERLAND